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(206) 783-7059
3015 NW 54th St
Seattle,
WA
98107
47.6676
-122.3971
Neighborhoods: Adams, Ballard
What People Are Saying About Hiram M. Chittenden Locks / Ballard Locks
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
The Experience – Pass a sunny day watching boats of all shapes and sizes come into the locks separating Puget Sound from the fresh waters of Salmon Bay. Those seeking relaxation anchor themselves to blankets and lawn chairs, while the adventurous head to the fish ladder. This underwater viewing gallery makes it possible to view salmon navigating their way back to their spawning grounds. Occasionally, a clever sea lion will hang out, waiting for his next meal. – – Facts – For the historically-minded, the locks' official name is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and they…
Editor's Tips
- When to Go:
- Boats come and go year-round, but to see the fish ladder in action, avoid November through February and the month of May, when the salmon aren't running.
- The Extras:
- The Visitor Center at the locks features displays about its history and operation.
- Know Before You Go:
- While there, check out the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens.
11/08/08
Great spot to relax
by Paidneff at Citysearch
I've never been to the locks on the weekend so I'm not sure how crowded they get, but during a weekday this place is great. I love to go down and watch the boats and the birds. Its got a great calm feeling about it. The surrounding area is pretty and well maintained, good for a walk on a sunny afternoon. Seeing the locks in action always takes me back to middle school science class and I enjoy that everytime. Check it out!
- Pros: Relaxing, free
07/20/08
Fun to see in action
by gakester8 at Citysearch
I recently went there with my parents and we enjoyed watching the locks open/close, fill/empty and see the seagulls in action, eating. Be prepared for the stench when you walk over from the locks to the salmon ladder. We did see salmon in one ladder, but never saw one switch from one ladder to the next. The free visitor's center has a small amount of interesting exhibits (the hands-on ones all seemed broken), a small gift shop, and a short film.They offer free, guided tours, but we did not take one. If you park on the Ballard side of the locks you have to walk partially through the Botanical Gardens/park to get to the locks. The park was not crowded and it would be a good spot to have a picnic.
- Pros: lots of different things to see (locks, ladder, park, visitor's center)
- Cons: not easy for people who have a hard time walking far.
11/19/06
Visit the Locks!
by kee22 at Citysearch
I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical before I went...it just sounded like some dumb locks that salmon jump...but it is worth the trip. It is a lot more interesting than what I thought. The visiting center is nice...and the area is beautiful. It's definately worth the trip..especially if you are a tourist.
- Pros: Great tourist spot, better than expected
07/19/04
Want to relax?
by gonefishingagain at Citysearch
Bring a picnic and dont forget to stop by the visitors center and the rose garden. You might just see someone famous going through the locks. Plan to spend hours here, you will be amazed at how fast the time goes by.
- Pros: free, free, free
01/29/04
Great for Visitors and Locals alike
by cjmg85 at Citysearch
I have lived near the locks all my life, and have always been fasinated with it. It is so much fun to just go and spend a relaxing day there watching boat traffic and the fish go through the latter, and the occassional train rolling over the nearby trainbridge. Discovery Park (Magnolia Side) and Golden Gardens Beach (Ballard Side) are very close as well. Hit up all of these places to make your day perfect.
- Pros: fun, interesting, free
